| Citation |
VGW(PA.737.075
30 Sep-7 Oct 1737:31, 32 (62)
We have advice from Hanover County, that on St. Andrew's
Day, being the 30th of November next, there are to be horse
races, and several other diversions, for the entertainment
of the gentlemen and ladies, at the Old Field near Capt.
John Bickerton's, in that county, (if permitted by the Hon.
William Byrd, Esq; Proprietor of the said land, ) The
substance of which are as follows, viz.
1. It is propos'd, that 20 horses or mares do run round a
three miles course, for a prize of the value of five pounds,
according to the usual rules of racing: that every horse
that runs shall be first enter'd with Mr. Joseph Fox; and
that no person have the liberty of putting in a horse,
unless he is a subscriber towards defraying the expence of
this entertainment, and pay to Mr. Fox half a pistole of it,
at entring his horse.
2. That a hat of the value of 20s. be cudgell'd for; and
that after the first challenge made, the drums are beat once
every quarter of an hour, for three challenges, round the
ring; on no answer made, the person challenging, to be
entitled to the prize; and none to play with their left
hand.
3. That a violin be played for by 20 fiddlers, and to be
given to him that shall be adjudged to play the best: No
person to have the liberty of playing, unless he brings a
fiddle with him. After the prize is won, they are all to
play together, and each a different tune; and to be treated
by the company.
4. That 12 boys of 12 years of age, do run 112 yards, for
a hat of the value of 12 shillings.
5. That a flag be flying on the said day, 30 feet high.
6. That a handsome entertainment be provided for the
subscribers, and their wives; and such of them who are not
so happy as to have wives, may treat any other lady. And
that convenient booths be erected for that purpose.
7. That drums, trumpets, hautboys, &c. will be provided,
to play at the said entertainment.
8. That after dinner, the royal healths, His Honour the
Governor's, &c. are to be drank.
9. That a quire of ballads be sung for, by a number of
songsters; the best songster to have the prize, and all of
them to have liquor sufficient to clear their windpipes.
10. That a pair of silver buckles be wrestled for, by a
certain number of brisk young men.
11. That a pair of handsome shoes be danced for.
12. That a pair of handsome silk stockings of one pistole
value, be given to the handsomest young country maid that
appears in the field: with many other whimsical and comical
diversions, too tedious to mention here.
The horse-race is to be run that day, fair or foul; but if
foul, the other diversions are to be continued the next day.
The subscription money to be paid on the said day, in the
field; and notice will be there given, who is to receive it.
And as this mirth is design'd to be purely innocent, and
void of offence, all persons resorting there are desir'd to
behave themselves with decency and sobriety; the subscribers
being resolv'd to discountenance all immorality with the
utmost rigour.
As such meetings and entertainments are somewhat new, in
these parts, it may not be improper to acquaint my readers
with the occasion of this. Hanover County is large, well
seated, and inhabited by a considerable number of gentlemen,
merchants, and creditable planters, who, being desirous of
cultivating friendship, and innocent mirth, propos'd an
annual meeting of the best sort, of both sexes. Mr.
Augustine Graham, clerk of the county, a generous batchelor,
desirous of effecting so sociable a design, provided a
handsome entertainment for the gentlemen and ladies, on the
30th of November last, and for their diversion, gave several
prizes to be contended for, by several sorts of exercise and
agility, all at his own expence; and was honour'd with a
great deal of company; who were so well pleas'd with the
same, that it was then resolved and concluded on, for
keeping up the same spirit of friendship, and good society,
to have an annual meeting at the expence of the gentlemen,
by subscription; accordingly a subscription was set on foot,
and many of the gentlemen have generously contributed
towards defraying the expence of the entertainment and
diversions, this year; and propose the same annually.
I am desir'd to acquaint the Scots gentlemen, that as this
meeting is fixt for St. Andrew's-Day, partly to commemorate
the patron of their country, it's hoped they'll contribute
to the carrying on and continuing the same, by the favour of
their company and encouragement.
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